Pyrochlore is an uncommon niobium oxide, found in unusual igneous rocks, such as nepheline syenites and carbonatites, and some granitic pegmatites. The Oka area hosts a classic carbonatite complex. A pink paper arrow points to a 7 mm, sharp, lustrous and partially gemmy, reddish-brown, octahedral pyrochlore crystal jauntily perched on the edge of pearl-white strontium calcite matrix. Lustrous, olive-green vesuvianite crystals and a couple of black phlogopite mica books are a nice contrast to the matrix. Accompanied by an old John Albanese label dating from 1953-1968. Ex. George Elling Collection.